Saturday, May 16, 2009

Successful Restaurants Have A Plan

By Jose L Riesco

There is no magic formula to make your restaurant a star. Successful restaurants don't just come about, they happen for a reason. It takes a combination of things to help you achieve success in this competitive field.

You will find that successful restaurants do a superb job in conveying their message. All aspects of the business must be portrayed and that successful image must flow through the entire business. All elements should be included -- restaurant design, customer service, theme, entertainment or menu offerings -- all portray the restaurant's unique selling proposition.

Something distinct sets successful restaurants apart from all of their peers. This is what keeps those diners coming back. For example, the chef may like to come out to talk with patrons, the restaurant might feature an open style kitchen, an ethnic menu, great prices, extensive wine lists, live music or creative design. A special niche will give a winning edge.

On the very basic level, successful restaurants do well because of their location, quality of food, the value of the food offering compared to price, customer service, such as greeting each guest as they enter, and the overall atmosphere of the dining room. They are all things that customers judge a business on and remain memorable in their minds.

All successful restaurants have behind them owners or a management staff that possesses certain characteristics necessary to achieve great things in the restaurant industry. All of those who run winning dining establishments are creative and flexible to adapt to change. They can work independently, but at the same time are comfortable with exercising authority and leading a team.

Many successful restaurants do a good job at retaining customers. They do this by excelling in customer service and building relationships. They know their repeat guests by name, seat them in their favorite spot, do little things that make them feel special and show interest in them through interaction.

Cleanliness and quality are benchmarks of all successful restaurants. These elements are essential, right down to how the servers are dressed. Regular and active staff training is very important and excellent cost control measures are hallmarks of great restaurants.

Successful restaurants have comprehensive marketing plans to help them reach their target. To start off with they have an interactive website, with reservation capabilities and a regular e-mail newsletter with special promotions. Proactive restaurants will also make sure that they have a presence on the popular social networking sites, such as Facebook, and other trendy ways to get their name circulated. Community involvement is also important, charitable events, in-house events and local trade groups being a focus. A buzz must be created around the restaurant to encourage people to want to be a part of its success.

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